UH Moment: "Technology Transfer"

There are breakthrough discoveries and research occurring in universities, but, without a structured plan, many will fade after their findings are published in national journals. Listen to this week's UH Moment.

Rathindra says there is a gap, a "Valley of Death," between academic research discovery and the road to the marketplace.

"It requires a real understanding about the technology and its impact," he said. "It is not just the science, you also need the business. Somebody needs to be convinced that there is a market and this produce might come out."

Bose's plan to take research from academia to the marketplace creates an entrepreneurial culture, where executives-in-residence bridge research to commercialization.

"My plan creates a funding mechanism to address this valley of death," he said. "During the development phase some research will not be able to go forward to the marketplace. It might be too expensive, but some will be impressive, economical and beneficial to society."

Currently there are more than 775 sponsored research projects at UH totaling more than $92 million dollars. Such research has spun off 15 active companies. University of Houston research has led to 141 active patents being issued.

"What makes a great university different from other universities or teaching colleges is faculty engagement toward research and creative activities."

Technology transfer is part of what's happening at the University of Houston. I'm Marisa Ramirez.

Telling the stories of the University of Houston, this UH Moment is brought to you by KUHF, listener supported radio from the University of Houston.